Mosquito Tests Positive For West Nile Virus In Wilmington

WILMINGTON, MA — Mosquitoes collected in Wilmington tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the health department.

The mosquitoes were trapped by the Central Mass Mosquito Control Projects, which will continue surveillance and to treat larvicide in catch basins in town.

Wilmington joins other communities in the region with mosquito samples that have tested positive.

The town has coordinated with the state to spray areas of concern Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 p.m. to midnight.

Residents within these areas should follow these spray precautions:

• Please close street facing windows and keep pets inside between sunset and midnight if possible to allow more thorough application. This type of pesticide is similar to the ones used for flea and tick control.

• Remain inside during the application and for 15-20 minutes afterwards.

• Accidental exposure is not expected to cause any health concerns in most people.

• No precautions are needed the day after the application as all applications will have evaporated.

• Residents with gardens are advised to wash off vegetables before consuming them

• There is no need to cover pools as the spray is an oil-based product and will dissipate quickly.

• Any “outside air” controls on older window unit air conditions should be turned off.

The health department also provides advice on prevention, including avoiding insect bites by using bug repellant, wearing long-sleeved clothing and removing any standing water around your home.

More information is available by clicking here.